Please note that the SHMAC will NOT be going to Race Retro this year, with its varied model car display.

We have done every one since it started. In the early days it was fantastic, Fridays were just amazing, but recently the show has dropped quite a bit. It used to take me the best part of 2 - 3 hours to rummage through the autojumble. Last year it took me 30 minutes.

Over the last few years a few club members dropped out, but with the excellent support of Dave S, Dave C and Steve N we managed to keep going. But I think we have finally ran out of steam. So sorry to everyone who used to come an say hello we will not be in our usual spot in 2018.

Every year we have to apply for a place at this show (and infact for any big show), you dont get invited.

So I never applied for a position at Race Retro this year, it was our decision not to be part of Race Retro, hence we will not be displaying this year.

The SHMAC has been displaying at many shows for many years. Some of the team have dropped out over those years and we were very grateful for Dave S, Dave C and Steve N for stepping into help us out in latter years. But trying to think up new themes every year and the costs of putting that together was getting a bit waring. We basically ran out of steam and it was for this reason only we stopped.

In the early days of Race Retro it was a fantastic show to be part of. But like every show it has changed. I understand that the organisers were still looking for displays in January, which is leaving it all a bit late.

I see that the recently restored Ford RS1700T will be there and Miki Biasion on the rally stage. Not seen an entry list for the rally stage yet.

If you are going enjoy the show please let us know what you felt about it.

Going on Saturday. Had hoped to see both RS1700Ts out but one is better than none. Big entry but just have a feeling that as nice as it is all the "newer" machinery wont be quite in keeping with the Retro title. Also when the organisers talk about Group C rally cars on the website you have to get a little concerned.

Went on Saturday as planned. Getting in and out this year seemed that bit easier with no queuing to park.

Numbers wise I've seen it busier IMO but overall it was very similar in feel other than more money seemed to have been spent on fixtures and fittings and the lighting seemed better, oh and the heating was on except in the cowsheds where the "autojumble" was. Interesting that the rally car parc ferme was shielded off from those guys by a black curtain but not sure how many exhaust fumes that stopped getting through. Plenty of nice exhibits on the rally front especially the gorgeous Legacy in Eklund Clarion livery. It was a shame not to see the usual display of rally models and still cant quite get my head around the pasty and sausage stalls as wouldn't want to eat anything that had been out in that heat for a couple of days but hey ho.

Didnt buy a single model as prices were at a level I guess that was needed to cover shell/stall rent (£20+ for an Altaya part work for example) and as am stopping buying rally books nothing tempted me to spend!

Rally stage wise it was a bit of hit and miss. The spectator barriers had been moved back a good 20 or so yards in keeping with current H&S paranoia and most of the course was off limits so will have to invest in a bigger lens if go again! Also there was hardly any PA for most of the course and although it meant not having to listen to the usual waffle it meant keeping a proper eye out for the cars you wanted to see. The mix of machinery was at best eclectic and at times appeared like a well attended club single venue rally. Not really sure how a Mini WRC fits in with the "retro" concept and there was no real split of the groups as per the schedule with cars appearing at random times and in no obvious chronological order. Cant imagine anyone unfamiliar with the history of the sport being able to understand what was going on and what was a genuine historical car or a replica. There appears to be a bit of rivalry now between the various clubs that have sprung up to cater for the "rally festival" type of events so guess they are having to be a bit less discerning about the type of car they cater for.

Regardless of that and thanks to Mike Rimmer though we got to see a Ford RS1700T in its original test livery in action which is something I thought would never happen. I believe Alistair McRae was driving and although only saw the car complete two runs (it didnt appear for the afternoon) it was great to see and worth the trip alone.

Mmmm! Very impressive list of rally stage entrants - only hope you didn't have to type them all in manually, Speedy!

Of course, with so many cars being lined up, none would get much stage time out there, so a double-edged sword. Missed not attending, meeting up with you guys and displaying some models this year. Still, meant I could spend some time building some models instead!!

I was disappointed not to see you guys there this year as your display and a good chat was always one of the highlights for me. Understand your reasons though as it's clearly a lot of work to get everything together.In general I thought the show was still worth attending, and the chance to see some cars in action during the day sets it apart from most of the other shows through the year - as many of you have said, seeing the RS1700T in action was a real treat. As for the cars on the stage; I loved the Mantas, Asconas, Firenza, Sunbeams, 131 Abarth, T16, 6R4, R5T - I could go on. As for what makes a car retro? Are the early WRC cars really old enough yet? Not sure, but driven hard they're still fun to watch and may just attract some of the younger folks to the sport. I'd love to see an 037 or Stratos turn up, and the return of a Delta S4. And what about getting Retro Rallycross on stage - that would be fantastic! How about it Steve, can you pull any strings?Parc ferme was well worth a trip around too, though it wasn't exactly well signposted. I only found my way in on Sunday, and then only because I walked past the entry on the way from a different car park.I'll definitely be back next year, and keep my fingers crossed that the organisers don't price any more of the autojumble and stall holders out of attending.Cheers,Mark

I've had similar thoughts myself in previous years and the event has usually been too soon after the Autosport exhibition at the NEC but I will ceetainly ask again. Terry and Neil Maynard, who often compete in Retro Rallycross always support Race Retro anyway (though with different cars) so we're part way there already!! Dave Halford was on the rally stage this year too, by the looks of it and he is looking to have a car ready for the Group B championship this year too.